Saint Paul, MN – The Minnesota State Fair is off to an impressive start in 2025, drawing an enthusiastic crowd that exceeds attendance figures seen throughout the post-pandemic era. With more than 132,553 visitors on Tuesday, August 26, the fair continues to demonstrate its enduring appeal and growing popularity among residents and visitors.
Through the first six days of the fair’s 12-day run, nearly 951,750 attendees have flocked to the event, outpacing last year’s numbers by almost 120,000 and surpassing 2023 by around 25,000 admissions. This momentum puts the 2025 fair on track to cross the coveted two million admissions mark for the first time since 2019.
Breaking Down the Record-Breaking Attendance
The 2025 fair is approaching historic attendance levels. Tuesday’s turnout of 132,553 visitors was close to the daily record of 136,987 set in 2019, signaling a surge in enthusiasm for the event despite challenges in recent years.
- 951,750 attendees have visited during the first six days of the fair.
- This total surpasses last year’s attendance by nearly 120,000 people.
- Tuesday’s crowd nearly matched the 2019 single-day record.
- The fair is expected to exceed two million admissions if current trends continue.
A Look Back: Trends From Recent Fairs
Prior to 2020, the Minnesota State Fair routinely drew large crowds, but the disruptions caused by the pandemic affected attendance significantly. The years following have seen a steady climb back to record levels, with 2019 and 2018 being the only years with admissions surpassing two million.
The 2024 fair witnessed its own impressive numbers, including three record-setting days and a notably slow day of just 81,231 attendees due to adverse weather conditions. The peak days leading into Labor Day 2024 were particularly notable:
- Friday: 225,521 attendees
- Saturday: 207,078 attendees
- Sunday: 256,015 attendees
Two of the above days set single-day attendance records, reinforcing the fair’s persistent popularity.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect for the Remainder of 2025 Fair
With half of the fair’s run behind us, and attendance steadily increasing, projections suggest 2025 could become one of the most attended fairs in Minnesota history. The fair’s busiest days traditionally occur in the days leading up to Labor Day, and sustained high turnout during this period is critical to reaching the two million attendance milestone.
An official source reflected on the ongoing trend:
“If the 2025 fair continues to match or exceed last year’s numbers, it will mark a significant milestone, crossing two million total admissions, a feat only achieved twice before in recent memory.”
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Nearly one million visitors during the first six days of the 2025 fair.
- Attendance is greater than any year since the pandemic began.
- 2025 running on pace to potentially surpass two million admissions for the first time since 2019.
- Social and community interest in the fair remains exceptionally strong.
